Queensland mine incident kills one, injures others

One person has died and six others have been injured after two pieces of machinery collided underground in a central Queensland mine.

Two rescue helicopters were dispatched to Anglo American’s Moranbah north mine, southwest of Mackay, after authorities were called to the site just before 4pm on Wednesday. Police and paramedics were unable to save a grader driver who has since been confirmed dead. Four patients have been flown to hospital with suspected spinal injuries. They are reportedly also being treated for head, neck and facial damage.

The incident has been referred to the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy for further investigation.

News.com.au understands that mining inspectors are en route to the site and the mine has been temporarily shut down.

Moranbah North Mine in Queensland.Source:News Limited

Anglo American confirmed in a statement that the incident happened “in the access drift close to the surface of the mine”.

“The driver of the grader received immediate treatment on site and was then transported by ambulance to hospital, but has tragically passed away,” the company statement read.

“The employees who were in the other vehicle immediately received medical treatment on site for injuries and subsequently two people have been transported by helicopter to Mackay for further treatment.”

The cause of the incident is not clear but Anglo American will carry out a full investigation, according to the company.

“We have notified the relevant authorities and stopped production at the mine, in line with our emergency response procedure,” the statement continued.

“Our focus is on continuing to respond to the emergency situation, including the treatment and care of injured employees and supporting the affected families and colleagues.”